This free nurse loan forgiveness checker applies the main eligibility rules for PSLF, NHSC, Nurse Corps, income-driven repayment forgiveness, and employer loan benefits, plus named state loan repayment programs in 11 states (other states get a pointer to their health department). Built for RNs, LPNs, NPs, CNMs, and CRNAs. Inputs: loan type, total debt, qualifying PSLF payments, employer type (501(c)(3), government, for-profit, private practice, school), role, state, and whether you work at a HRSA shortage-area facility. Outputs: a list sorted into eligible, possibly eligible, and not eligible, with award amounts and next steps for each program. No email gate, no agency funnel, and nothing you enter leaves your browser.
The Numbers Are Real
Nurses are leaving serious money on the table every year.
| Figure | What it measures |
|---|---|
| $57,500+ | Average nursing school debt for BSN graduates |
| 85% | Of nursing education debt forgiven via Nurse Corps program |
| $0 | What most nurses pay to find out what they qualify for |
How to Use It
Answer a few questions, get a personalized program list.
Share Your Situation
Tell the tool your loan type, employer type, nursing role, and state. Takes under 2 minutes.
Get Your Program List
The checker applies each program's main eligibility rules to your answers and sorts the results into eligible, possibly eligible, and not eligible.
See the Action Steps
Each program comes with eligibility requirements, application links, and what you need to do next to secure forgiveness.
Major Programs Covered
The checker scores PSLF, Nurse Corps, NHSC, employer benefits, and named programs in 11 states. Perkins cancellation is listed here for reference.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Work at a nonprofit or government hospital for 10 years on an income-driven repayment plan. Entire remaining balance forgiven, tax-free.
100% of remaining balance
Nurse Corps Loan Repayment
Work 2 years at a Critical Shortage Facility. Designed specifically for RNs, APRNs, and nursing faculty serving underserved communities.
Up to 85% of nursing education debt
NHSC Loan Repayment Program
For NPs and CNMs serving in Health Professional Shortage Areas. One of the fastest paths to major debt relief for advanced practice nurses.
Up to $50,000 for 2-year commitment
State Loan Repayment Programs
Over 30 states have their own nurse loan forgiveness programs, many of which stack with federal programs. Amounts and eligibility vary widely.
$5,000–$30,000+ depending on state
Perkins Loan Cancellation
If you have older federal Perkins loans and work as a nurse in a low-income or public school, a significant portion may be cancelled each year.
Up to 100% over 5 years
Employer Loan Repayment Benefits
Many hospital systems offer direct loan repayment as a hiring incentive — often $5,000–$20,000+ that most nurses never think to negotiate for.
Varies — often negotiable
Related Tools & Guides
More ways to maximize your financial picture as a nurse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What loan forgiveness programs are available for nurses?
Nurses can qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), NHSC Loan Repayment Program, Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program, Perkins Loan Cancellation, and dozens of state-specific programs. Some employers also offer direct loan repayment as a hiring incentive. See the full nurse loan forgiveness guide for detailed program breakdowns.
Do I qualify for PSLF as a nurse?
If you work full-time at a nonprofit hospital, government facility, or qualifying public health organization, you likely qualify for PSLF. After 120 qualifying payments on an income-driven repayment plan, your remaining federal loan balance is forgiven tax-free. Most hospital-based nurses qualify without realizing it.
What is the NHSC Loan Repayment Program for nurses?
The NHSC (National Health Service Corps) Loan Repayment Program awards up to $50,000 in loan repayment in exchange for 2 years of service at an NHSC-approved site in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). Nurse practitioners and certified nurse-midwives are eligible.
How much loan forgiveness can a nurse get?
It varies by program. PSLF forgives your entire remaining federal loan balance after 10 years. NHSC offers up to $50,000 for a 2-year commitment. Nurse Corps offers up to 85% of qualifying nursing education debt. State programs range from $5,000 to $30,000+ depending on state and specialty. Also explore nursing scholarships to reduce debt before it starts.
What's the difference between PSLF and Nurse Corps?
PSLF requires 10 years of qualifying payments at a nonprofit or government employer and forgives the full remaining balance. Nurse Corps is a shorter 2-year commitment with a lump-sum payment covering up to 85% of nursing education debt, but requires working in a Critical Shortage Facility. Both are federal — the Loan Forgiveness Checker helps you figure out which (or both) you qualify for.
Can I combine federal and state nurse loan forgiveness?
Sometimes, yes. PSLF is federal, and many states run their own nurse loan repayment programs (California's Bachelor of Science Nursing Loan Repayment Program, Texas's Loan Repayment Program for Mental Health Professionals, New York's Nurses Across NY, etc.) that can stack with federal options. Read each program's rules carefully — some prohibit double-dipping with PSLF while others specifically allow it.
Does travel nursing or agency work qualify for PSLF?
No. PSLF requires W-2 employment at a qualifying public or 501(c)(3) nonprofit employer. Most travel nurse agencies are for-profit staffing companies, which disqualifies their W-2 wages. Working at a qualifying hospital through an agency also doesn't count — PSLF looks at who signs your W-2, not where you physically work. If you're chasing PSLF, staying staff at a qualifying employer is usually the right call.
What happens to my loans if I switch employers mid-PSLF?
Qualifying payments pause when you leave a qualifying employer, but they don't reset. You can switch from one qualifying nonprofit to another without losing credit — just submit a new Employment Certification Form for the new employer. If you take a non-qualifying job (for-profit, agency, private practice) for a few years and then return to a qualifying employer, your previous qualifying payments still count.
How do income-driven repayment plans interact with forgiveness?
PSLF requires payments under a qualifying income-driven repayment plan (IDR) — PAYE, SAVE, IBR, or ICR. Standard 10-year repayment plan payments technically count, but they'd pay off the loan before 120 payments anyway, so most PSLF-chasers use an IDR plan to keep monthly payments low and preserve the maximum forgiveness balance.
This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or loan-repayment advice. Federal and state loan forgiveness programs change frequently — verify current eligibility rules with studentaid.gov, your loan servicer, and a qualified financial advisor before making career decisions based on forgiveness eligibility. Some external links may be affiliate links — see full disclosure.
Data Sources
- Federal Student Aid — Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- HRSA Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program
- HRSA National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment
- Federal Student Aid — Income-Driven Repayment Plans
- IRS Publication 4681: Cancelled Debts (student loan forgiveness tax treatment)
About the Author
Financial tool: This calculator provides estimates for educational and planning purposes only. It does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Actual results depend on your specific tax situation, filing status, employer, and state. Consult a licensed tax professional or financial advisor before making financial decisions.